About Strawberries
Everyone loves the heart-shaped wonder fruit for its mouth-watering taste, and don’t forget the multiple health benefits of strawberries. The fleshy portion is not derived from the plant ovaries. Instead, each visible seed covering its outside is originated from one of the ovaries of the flower. Strawberries are available from April to August, making them the perfect summer fruit and have the highest nutritional value.
Nutritional Profile Of Strawberries
Strawberries are enriched with a good amount of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and loaded with high levels of antioxidants like polyphenols. They are low-calorie, fiber-rich magical fruits.
USDA National Nutrient Database concludes that one cup of strawberries provides 3 grams of fiber, 12 grams of carbohydrates, and those just eight strawberries provide a lot more vitamin C than an orange does. Another data suggests that a 100 g serving of raw strawberries contains about only 32 calories, making them a low-calorie food.
Health Benefits Of Strawberries
Improves Heart function
Inhibiting the Total and LDL cholesterol
Strawberries have high levels of antioxidants like ellagic acid and flavonoids like anthocyanin, catechin, etc. According to a 2004 research report by a Ph.D. student of Illinois University, these phenolic compounds lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases by inhibiting the formation of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Lowers Blood-pressure
Strawberries are a very good source of potassium, which counters the effects of sodium in the body and reduces blood pressure. High levels of anthocyanins in the berries relax the blood vessels, helping lower blood pressure, and preventing cardiovascular problems.
Prevents Stroke
The anti-inflammatory function of the antioxidants in strawberries helps to reduce the formation of blood clots that are linked with stroke.
Treats symptoms of arthritis and gout
The antioxidants in strawberries detoxify the body and reduce inflammation. The formation of free radicals causes the inflammation and deterioration of the muscles and tissues of the body. As a result, the joints don’t function properly, and harmful toxins build-up, causing conditions like arthritis and gout.
Improves immunity
Vitamin C, present in strawberries helps to boosts the immune system thereby curing common cough and cold as it is said that 1 serving of strawberries offers about 150 percent of the body’s daily vitamin C requirement.
Reduce Inflammation
Strawberries reduce elevated blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) that increases inflammation in the body. A study conducted by the Harvard School showed that women who ate more than 10 strawberries in a week were 14% less likely to have elevated C-reactive protein levels.
Offers Protection Against Cancer.
Cancer formation and progression is often associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Strawberries have been shown to inhibit tumor formation in animals with mouth cancer and even in human liver cancer cells. The protective effects of strawberries are due to ellagic acid and ellagitannins, which stop the growth of cancer cells
Prevent Birth Defects
Folic acid is a very important nutrient during pregnancy, as it helps in preventing birth defects. Strawberries contain a good amount of folic acid and consuming them may help in ensuring optimal health during pregnancy.
Promotes healthy eyesight
Flavonoids, ellagic acid, and phenolic phytochemicals in strawberries reduce one’s risk of age-related vision problems like macular degeneration.
Regulates blood sugar
Strawberries also contain ellagic acid that helps in slowing down the digestion of starchy foods which controls the rise in blood sugar levels posts a carbohydrate-rich meal. Strawberries also have a low glycemic index; hence they are unlikely to cause sharp spikes in sugar level when eaten by people with diabetes.
Helps regulate mood
Strawberries benefit both of your emotional and mental functioning as seeds of strawberries contain the omega-3 fatty acid ie alpha-linolenic acid, which boosts the mood.
Boosts Brain Function:
Strawberries are rich in iodine, phytochemicals, which help maintain the proper functioning of the nervous system. Potassium in strawberries has been linked to an improved cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain.
Alleviates allergy symptoms
Strawberries have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits as these are a great weapon against allergies. They contain an anti-allergy flavonoid named fisetin, which helps the body’s immune cells control the inflammatory reactions to allergens.
Benefits Skin, Teeth
Skin:
The vitamin C in strawberries is used by the body to produce collagen, a protein which is essential to skin health. Vitamin C also acts as a free radical-scavenger which scavenge free radicals thereby fighting the development of skin cancer and premature aging.
Teeth:
Strawberries contain malic acid which acts as a natural teeth whitening agent. The fruit is an important part of a balanced diet as they contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. There should be at least 3 servings of fruits on a regular basis and it’s better if you eat alone not with any other complete meals.
